What is L-theanine?

L-theanine, first identified by Japanese scientists in 1949, is a non-dietary amino acid most commonly found in tea leaves and certain types of mushrooms. Structurally, L-theanine is similar to the ‘excitatory’ neurotransmitter glutamate and is, therefore, able to bind to glutamate receptors.

Benefits of L-theanine

Reduces stress and anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, you’re likely on a first-name basis with stress and anxiety. Care for your physical and mental health with L-theanine – a moderate anxiolytic. Not only does it enhance brain chemicals that promote feelings of calm, but it also reduces levels of ‘excitatory’ chemicals linked to stress and anxiety. Perfect for fostering that much-coveted state of relaxed, attentive wakefulness you need for optimal performance.

Enhances cognitive functions

Through its inhibitory actions on stress hormones like cortisol and corticosterone, L-theanine enhances your memory and learning capabilities. And its cognitive benefits extend beyond that as well. L-theanine helps boosts the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA – three neurotransmitters crucial for alertness and attention. You can, therefore, look forward to that improved attention span, enhanced ability to get into the flow, and better decision-making abilities; even if you battle anxiety daily.

Improves sleep

Say goodbye to hours of tossing and turning on the bed. Thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers by reducing the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, L-theanine helps you fall asleep more easily and quickly at bedtime. And it’s not just that. Research also shows that L-theanine supplementation can improve the quality of your sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day – every morning.

L-theanine side effects

L-theanine is generally well-tolerated with no adverse side effects. There are also no published reports of adverse interactions with other natural products or conventional prescription medications.